MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[01] This Application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 13/924,948, filed June 24, 2013 which is a continuation-in-part application to U.S. Application Serial No. 13/918,281, filed June 14, 2013 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/660,060, filed June 15, 2012. The above-identified U.S. applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[02] This invention relates generally to power systems. In particular, in one aspect of the invention, a low voltage power supply with magnetic connections or mechanical connections is provided.

BACKGROUND

[03] In many exemplary power/signal systems, there is a problem with providing power to many devices while trying to create good wire management. Additionally, there is a problem with providing power to many devices while creating a dynamic or flexible system that allows for device relocation, addition of devices, and removal of devices for the power/signal systems. Existing solutions provide cable raceways with multiple connection points (outlet strip approach) or power track systems (track lighting approach). Although many conductors for power and signal combinations can be used, the "outlet strip approach" lacks flexibility and expandability for adding or relocating devices. Traditional powered track systems lack easy ways to incorporate many power and signal conductors. Additionally for each conductor added to the traditional power track systems the connector required to access those conductors grows significantly in complexity and size.

[04] In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, a low voltage power system may include a configuration of ferrous material, conductive material, and nonconductive materials arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of magnetic LED modules or other similar low voltage power devices. Generally, low voltage power systems and low voltage power devices have a voltage of approximately 24 volts or less.

[05] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a power system may include a configuration of conductive material and mechanical connections arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of mechanically-connected low voltage power devices.

SUMMARY

[06] The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various features of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but it simply provides a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows.

[07] In one exemplary embodiment, a low voltage power assembly may comprise: (a) a track that includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the track is powered from a low voltage power source; and (b) a power connector assembly that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power connection. The power connector assembly may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device. The track may include one or more conductive plates that connect to the power connector assembly providing the low voltage power connection. Additionally, the track may include one or more mechanical connection plates that connect to the power connector assembly providing the mechanical connection. The low voltage power device may be, for example, an LED lighting system for a merchandise display system.

[08] In another exemplary embodiment, a power assembly may comprise: (a) a track that includes one or more mechanical connection plates and one or more conductive plates adjacent to one another, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and (b) a printed circuit board that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power connection. The printed circuit board may be configured to provide power through the track to a power device. The printed circuit board may include one or more contacts that connect to the one or more conductive plates on the track providing the power connection. Additionally, the printed circuit board may include one or more mechanical connectors that connect to the one or more mechanical connection plates on the track providing the mechanical connection. The power device may be, for example, an LED lighting system for a merchandise display system.

In another exemplary embodiment, a low voltage power assembly may comprise: 1) a track that includes one or more conductive plates, one or more mechanical plates, and one or more metal plates, wherein the track is powered from a low voltage power source; 2) a first power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive plates connect to the first power assembly providing a low voltage power connection, and further wherein the one or more metal plates connect to the first power assembly providing a magnetic connection; and 3) a second power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive plates connect to the second power assembly providing a low voltage power connection, and further wherein the one or more mechanical connection plates connect to the second power assembly providing a mechanical connection. The first and the second power connector assemblies may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following detailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary lighting assembly that includes a track and connector assembly.

Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the track and connector assembly from Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a power connector assembly from the track and connector assembly illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another exemplary lighting assembly that includes a track and connector assembly.

Figure 5 shows a cross-section view of the track and connector assembly from Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a track from the track and connector assembly illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a power connector assembly from the track and connector assembly illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary power assembly that includes a track and connector assembly.

Figure 9A illustrates a close-up perspective view of the power connector assembly from the track and connector assembly illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 9B illustrates a cross-section perspective view of the power connector assembly from the track and connector assembly illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 9C illustrates a cross-section view of the power connector assembly from the track and connector assembly illustrated in Figure 8.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example structures in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of various structures in accordance with the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms "top" and "bottom" and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the Figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.

[25] These embodiments illustrate a low voltage power supply with magnetic connections.

These systems allow for an easy method of distributing both power and other signals without the need for complex wiring and secondary wire management. Additionally, the attachment of devices to the track system is magnetic. Uses for the invention include but are not limited to retail environments that may require periodic/regular relocation of devices connected to the distribution track. These embodiments are intended to distribute both power while allowing the easy movement and placement of connected devices such as lighting systems for the retail merchandise display systems.

[26] An embodiment of an exemplary low voltage power system is illustrated in Figures 1 through 7. Generally, the low voltage power system may be utilized as a distribution track with a magnetic power connector connected both magnetically and for power to the distribution track. In one exemplary embodiment, a lighting assembly or lighting bar with one or more magnetic connector lighting systems, such as LEDs or other types of lights. The exemplary low power voltage system may include a configuration or assembly of ferrous material, conductive material, and nonconductive materials arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device. The mating device may include a set of magnetic LED modules. The mating device may include magnetic materials, such as magnets or magnetic coils, conductive materials, nonconductive materials, and electronics. The conductive materials may be for example spring contacts. The electronics may utilize the distributed power and/or signals.

[27] As illustrated in one embodiment in Figures 1 through 3, an exemplary low power voltage system 200 is shown. In this example, the low voltage power system 200 is an exemplary lighting system. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any low voltage power system may be utilized without departing from these embodiments. The exemplary lighting system 200 may also be a track and connector assembly 200 for use with a retail merchandise display system. The track and connector assembly 200 may include a track 210 and a power connector assembly 250. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the track and connector assembly 200. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the track and connector assembly 200 to include both the track 210 and the power connector assembly 250. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the power connector assembly 250. Generally, the power connector assembly 250 connects to the track 210 both through a magnetic connection and a power connection. The power connector assembly 250 may connect to the track 210 on any part of the track 210.

[28] The track 210 may include a first end assembly 212 and a second end assembly 214.

The first end assembly 212 may be non-powered. The second end assembly 214 may include a powered top portion 216, a powered bottom portion 218, and one or more track power contacts 220. Generally, the powered portion (both top 216 and bottom 218) may provide a power source to the track 210 through the one or more track power contacts 220. The track 210 may include one or more bus bars 224 for the power connection and a metal plate 226 for the magnetic connection. The bus bars 224 may be conductive plates or other surfaces and materials that allow the distribution of power. The metal plate 226 may be any ferrous plate or other surfaces and materials for magnetic connections. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of conductive material may be utilized for the bus bars 224. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of ferrous material may be utilized for the metal plates 226, such as brass. The track 210 may also include a track mounting bracket 222. The track mounting bracket 222 may be utilized to mount to the merchandise display system, thereby allowing the track and connector assembly 200 to attach to the merchandise display system at any preferred location. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the merchandise display system may include multiple tracks 210 and multiple power connector assemblies 250 without departing from this invention.

[29] The power connector 250 may include a housing which may include a first or left housing 252 and a second or right housing 254. Within the left housing 252 and the right housing 254 may include one or more power connector contacts 256. The power connector contacts 256 may be configured and located in line with the powered bus bars 224 on the track 210. One or more power connector jacks 258 may be electronically connected to the power connector contacts 256. The power connector jacks 258 may then provide power to a low voltage power device. The low voltage power device may include various lighting systems, such as individual LEDs or other such similar low voltage power assemblies for the merchandise display system.

[30] Additionally, the power connector 250 may include a magnetic source 260 or mating device. The magnetic source may be a magnetic coil, magnet, or induction coil. Other magnetic or mating devices may be utilized without departing from this invention. The magnetic source 260 may be configured and located in line with the metal plate 226 on the track 210. The magnetic source 260 allows the power connector 250 and any low voltage power supply assemblies connected to the power connector 250 the ability to be moved along the entire length of the track 210. For example, individual LEDs may utilized and moved along the entire length of the track 210.

[31] As illustrated in another embodiment in Figures 4 through 7, another exemplary low voltage power supply system 300 is shown. In this embodiment, a lighting system 300 is utilized as the low voltage power supply system, however other low voltage power supply systems may be utilized without departing from these embodiments. For example, the exemplary lighting system 300 may also be a track and connector assembly 300 for use with a retail merchandise display system.

[32] The track and connector assembly 300 may include a track 310 and a power connector 350. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the track and connector assembly 300. Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the track and connector assembly 300 to include both the track 310 and the power connector assembly 350. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the track 310. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the power connector assembly 350. Generally, the power connector assembly 350 connects to the track 310 both through a magnetic connection and a power connection. The power connector assembly 350 may connect to the track 310 along any portion of the track 310.

[33] The track 310 may include one or more conductive plates 324 and one or more ferrous plates 326. As illustrated in Figure 12, a plurality of insulative materials 328 may be located between each of the ferrous plates 326 and the conductive plates 324. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of ferrous material may be utilized for the ferrous plates 324. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of conductive material may be utilized for the conductive plates 326, such as brass. The track 310 may also include a track mounting bracket (not shown in this embodiment). The track mounting bracket may mount to the merchandise display system, thereby allowing the track and connector assembly 300 to attach to the merchandise display system at any preferred location. In another aspect, the track may be a freestanding track without the need for a track mounting bracket. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a merchandise display system may include multiple tracks 310 and multiple power connector assemblies 350 and low voltage power supply systems without departing from this invention.

[34] As illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the power connector 350 may include a printed circuit board 352 which houses the electronics for the power connector 350. In this given embodiment, a lighting assembly 354 that includes one or more LEDs 355 and/or other light sources known and used in the art may be electronically connected to the printed circuit board 352. Other low voltage power supply devices may be utilized and electronically connected to the printed circuit board 352 without departing from this invention. Additionally, the power connector 350 may include one or more power connector contacts 356. The power connector contacts 356 may be configured and located in line with the conductive plates 324 on the track 310. The power connector contacts 356 may be defined by spring contacts or any other type of power contacts known and used in the art. The power contacts 356 may then provide power to the lighting assembly 354, such as individual LEDs or other such similar lighting assemblies for the merchandise display system.

[35] Additionally, the power connector 350 may include a magnetic source 260 or mating device. The magnetic source may be a magnetic coil, magnet, or induction coil. Other magnetic or mating devices may be utilized without departing from this invention. The magnetic source 360 may be configured and located in line with the ferrous plates 326 on the track 310. The magnetic source 360 allows the power connector 350 and any lighting assemblies 354 (or low voltage power connectors) to be connected to the power connector 350 with the ability to be moved along the entire length of the track 310. [36] These embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 7 solve the problem with providing power to many devices while trying to create good wire management, and also creating a dynamic or flexible system that allows for device re-location, addition of devices, and removal of devices for the power/signal system. Existing solutions include cable raceways with multiple connection points (outlet strip approach) or powered track systems (track lighting approach). However these traditional approaches fall short in several ways. Although many conductors for power and signal combinations can be used, the "outlet strip approach" lacks flexibility and expandability for adding or relocating devices. Traditional powered track systems lack easy ways to incorporate many power and signal conductors. Additionally for each conductor added to the traditional power track systems the connector required to access those conductors grows significantly in complexity and size.

[37] The purpose of these embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 7 is to provide a "break away" connection. Another purpose of these embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 7 is to provide an easy to use power and signal distribution track system. Track lighting is a good example of a powered track system intended for distributing power to many devices, however current track lighting systems do not use magnetic attachment methods and are not intended for distributing more than power for connected devices. These embodiments are intended to distribute both power while allowing the easy movement and placement of connected devices such as lighting systems for the retail merchandise display systems.

[38] Examples of retail uses for this embodiment are under-shelf or display-case lighting that may require spot lights for product specials. Spot light modules such as the proof of concept prototype could be used to add lighting in a dynamic, modular, and reconfigurable way. Examples of non-retail applications might include systems which use sensor modules that communicate via additional conductors in the configuration or assembly. This type of application would allow for easy customization of the sensor system.

[39] If additional voltages are added to the configuration of products, additional configurations of products that require different voltages could be connected on the same distribution track such that the devices contacts make contact only with the conductors required. In a given aspect of this invention, there may two bus bars and/or conductive plates. In another aspect of this invention, there may be four bus bars and/or conductive plates in order to handle various additional voltages.

[40] Other devices using this distribution track may separate the magnetic connector from the device itself by using a corded magnetic connector. This allows for many types of devices (especially larger devices) to make use of the distribution track. One example might be embedded hardware devices which use the distribution track as a means for getting power and for intercommunications between embedded devices utilizing additional signal conductors.

[41] Another advantage of this embodiment is that the distribution track implementations may incorporate many conductors for power and/or signal and may only grow in size as conductors are added. The additional conductors for power and/or signal may not increase the complexity because the access of one conductor does not interfere with the other conductors as it does in the traditional powered track approach. This characteristic allows the design technique to be scalable for many applications.

[42] LED lighting systems may be utilized with these embodiments as a low voltage power supply with magnetic connections, and specifically LED lighting systems utilized with a retail merchandise display system. LED lighting systems as disclosed in U.S. Application Serial No. 13/162,076, filed June 16, 2011 and U.S. Application Serial No. 12/955,198, filed November 29, 2010 wherein each of the above-identified U.S. applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[43] In another aspect of this invention, as illustrated in Figures 8 through 9C, a power assembly may utilize a mechanical connection instead of the magnetic connection as described above. The power assembly may be a low voltage power assembly in accordance with aspects of this invention. Additionally, high voltage power assemblies may utilize the mechanical connections disclosed without departing from this disclosure. The mechanical connection may be a snap connector or other kinds of mechanical connections known and used in the art. As was described above, the power assembly may comprise a track that includes one or more conductive plates and a mechanical connector, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and a power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive plates connect to the power assembly providing a power connection, and further wherein the mechanical connector connects to the power assembly providing a secure connection. This power connector assembly may be configured to provide power through the track to a power device.

[44] Generally, below, a low voltage power system will be described. The low voltage power system may be utilized as a distribution track with a mechanical power connector connected both mechanically and for power to the distribution track. The exemplary low power voltage system may include a configuration or assembly of conductive materials arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device. The mating device may include a set of mechanically connected low voltage power modules. One example low voltage power module may be a mechanically connected LED module. The mating device may include various mechanically connected configurations, such as snap fit connections, bolted assemblies, threaded metal inserts, hook and loop type fasteners, molded in threads, push-on/turn-on fasteners, rivets, press-fits, or similar mechanical- type connection devices. The conductive materials may be for example spring contacts or any other similar conductive contact material. The electronics may utilize the distributed power and/or signals.

[45] As illustrated in one embodiment in Figures 8 through 9C, an exemplary low power voltage system 400 is shown. In this example, the low voltage power system 400 is an exemplary lighting system. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any low voltage device or power system may be utilized without departing from these embodiments. The exemplary lighting system 400 may also be a track and connector assembly 400 for use with a retail merchandise display system. The track and connector assembly 400 may include a track 410 and a power connector assembly 450. Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the track and connector assembly 400. Figure 9A illustrates a close-up perspective view of the power connector assembly 450. Figure 9B illustrates a cross-section perspective view of the power connector assembly 450. Figure 9C illustrates a cross-section view of the power connector assembly 450. Generally, the power connector assembly 450 connects to the track 410 both through a mechanical connection and a power connection. The power connector assembly 450 may connect to the track 410 on any part of the track 410. [46] The track 410 may include a first end assembly 412 and a second end assembly 414. The first end assembly 412 may be non-powered. The second end assembly 414 may include a powered top portion 416, a powered bottom portion 418, and one or more track power contacts 420. Generally, the powered portion (both top 416 and bottom 418) may provide a power source to the track 410 through the one or more track power contacts 420. The track 410 may include one or more bus bars 424 for the power connection and a mechanical connection track or surface 426 for the mechanical connection. The bus bars 424 may be conductive plates or other surfaces and materials that allow the distribution of power. The mechanical connection track or surface 426 may be any plate or other surfaces and materials for mechanical connections as will be explained in more detail below. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of conductive material may be utilized for the bus bars 424. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of material may be utilized for the mechanical connection track or surface 426. The track 410 may also include a track mounting bracket 422. The track mounting bracket 422 may be utilized to mount to the merchandise display system, thereby allowing the track and connector assembly 400 to attach to the merchandise display system at any preferred location. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the merchandise display system may include multiple tracks 410 and multiple power connector assemblies 450 without departing from this invention.

[47] The power connector 450 may include a housing which may include a first or left housing 452 and a second or right housing 454. Within the left housing 452 and the right housing 454 may include one or more power connector contacts 456. The power connector contacts 456 may be configured and located in line with the powered bus bars 424 on the track 410. One or more power connector jacks 458 may be electronically connected to the power connector contacts 456. The power connector jacks 458 may then provide power to a low voltage power device. The low voltage power device may include various lighting systems, such as individual LEDs, other lighting sources, powered track devices, or other such similar low voltage power assemblies for a track system. [48] Additionally, the power connector 450 may include a mechanical connector 460 or mating device. The mechanical connector 460 may cooperate and engage the mechanical connection track 426 to connect the power connector 450 to the track 410. The mechanical connector 460 and the mechanical connection track 426 may be one of various different mechanical connector assemblies without departing from this invention. For example, as shown in Figures 9A through 9C, the mechanical connector 460 and the mechanical connection track 426 and may be a snap fit connector, and more specifically a cylindrical type snap fit connector. In other examples of this embodiment, the mechanical connector 460 and the mechanical connection track 426 and may be a snap fit connector, such as a cantilever beam snap fit connection or a spherical type snap fit connection. Other types of mechanical connections known and used in the art may be utilized between the mechanical connector 460 and the mechanical connection track 426, such as bolted assemblies, threaded metal inserts, hook and loop type fasteners, molded in threads, push-on/turn- on fasteners, rivets, press-fits, or similar mechanical-type connection devices. The mechanical connector 460 may be configured and located in-line with and the mechanical connection track 426 on the track 410 such that the mechanical connector 460 engages and/or cooperates with the mechanical connection track 426 to connect the power connector 450 to the track 410. The mechanical connector 460 allows the power connector 450 and any low voltage power supply assemblies connected to the power connector 450 the ability to be moved along the entire length of the track 410. For example, individual LEDs, other lighting sources, or powered track devices may utilized with the power connector 450 and be moved along the entire length of the track 410.

[49] Additionally, in another aspect of this invention, a low voltage power system may be utilized as a distribution track that includes 1) one or more mechanical power connector connected both mechanically and for power to the distribution track and 2) one or more magnetic power connector connected both magnetically and for power to the distribution track. Both the mechanical power connector and the magnetic power connector may be utilized and defined as above. Both the mechanical power connector and the magnetic power connector may be utilized without departing from thins invention. [50] The reader should understand that these specific examples are set forth merely to illustrate examples of the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention. Many variations in the lighting assemblies may be made from the specific structures described above without departing from this invention.

[51] While the invention has been described in detail in terms of specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.